13: Inclusive Playgrounds with Julie Kenerson (Fair Play for All)

Disability Garrison

When Maggie Carmichael started going to preschool, she was excited to play with her new friends. But the school’s playground was not accessible to her. So every day at recess, Maggie would be taken out of her wheelchair and placed in the wood chips to play on her own. She would come home from school covered in splinters. Her mom, Holly, decided to work for change in their small town.

Across the country, Julie Kenerson heard that her local playground was going to be updated. She remembered taking her sons, Lukas and Jake, to various parks to play. Jake was in a wheelchair, and Julie struggled to find playgrounds where both boys could play together. Even after Jake’s passing in 2019, Julie never forgot how heartbreaking it was for Jake to not be able to participate.

Join Michael as he talks with co-host Holly Carmichael, and special guest Julie Kenerson. They discuss Holly’s experience designing and building the first inclusive playground in her area. Julie recalls what it was like telling her city officials that “ADA Compliant” wasn’t good enough. And they discuss how inclusive playgrounds benefit everyone.

For the resources and links mentioned in this episode, and to join in on our Fair Play for All campaign, please visit us at disabilitygarrison.org.